Blood Cult Read Online Free PDF Page A

Jersey.’
    ‘New Jersey’s the last place God would be,’ added Fran.
    ‘That’s right, God spoke to me. He chose me. Now His choice will bare
fruit. I know everything there is to know about this,’ I said, glancing out of
the windows yet to be boarded up. ‘You want to suffer? Go ahead, put your faith
in the Reverend. You want to have your suffering eased? Then put your faith in
me just like the Good Lord has.’
    There was a watchful hush. People continued to stare at me for a while as
they took in my words and Peters loitered behind me, feeling the change of mood
within the church. Mumbling slowly grew in volume and people turned to one
another and began to discuss what I’d said. The tide was clearly turning in my
favour.
    The Reverend suddenly moved forward beside the pulpit. ‘People! People,
listen to me,’ he said, raising his gangly arms to get their attention as he
stood before them. ‘If we remain strong for each other we can get through
this.’
    ‘See!’ I exclaimed, pointing down at him as he stood to my left. ‘He’s totally
oblivious to the truth. He thinks we can all join hands and sing “Kumbaya” and
everything will be all right,’ I scoffed.
    ‘Don’t listen to him. I am the one ordained by the church. I am the one
who speaks for the Lord in this house.’
    ‘You speak for nothing but ignorance,’ I responded as the congregation
watched the interaction intently. I knew that if I could undermine him enough
then the majority of those in the church would follow me.
    ‘What should we do now then, Reverend? What’s our next move?’ I looked at
him with my brows raised expectantly.
    ‘Um...’ He struggled to find an answer, a struggle that was clear for all
to see.
    ‘See, he doesn’t know,’ I stated to the congregation. ‘I know what action
we must take and I also know that now is a time for decisive leadership.’
    ‘Let the Reverend speak,’ stated John.
    ‘Yes, let him speak,’ concurred Fran.
    ‘Okay, let’s hear what he has to say,’ I said, turning to him once again.
‘Reverend, you’ve had a few moments to think about it. What should we do next?’
    He looked out at the gathered faces which were turned to him expectantly.
‘I don’t know,’ he conceded, shoulders sagging. ‘All I know is that we should
pray to the Lord for forgiveness and hope His grace will shine upon us.’
    ‘What about food, water, medication?’ I asked.
    He looked to the flagstones at his feet. ‘I haven’t any idea where to
start.’
    ‘Then let me make a proposal,’ I stated, turning back to the huddled
masses. ‘I will take charge…’
    There were a few grumbles and shaking heads.
    ‘…But Reverend Peters will continue to lead you in prayer and take the
sermons.’ I looked to the congregation, knowing that my concession was likely
to win over at least some of those who were dubious.
    ‘And what do you propose we do next?’ asked the suited man.
    ‘First, I’ll lead a group on a food run. That’s the priority. There’ll be
a lot of people out there sitting in their homes as they adjust to what’s
happened and so the stores will still be stocked, but once their food starts
running low and realisation dawns it won’t take long for the stores to become
battle grounds. After that we’ll search office buildings for extra water.’
    ‘Office buildings?’ asked a woman near the front on the right.
    ‘Water coolers,’ I stated simply. ‘Most people won’t think to look in
office blocks and so we’re unlikely to run into any trouble. While we’re there
we can take the canteen supplies and empty the dispensing machines of all the
food.
    ‘Then we’ll search for medication. Painkillers will be top of the list.
We’ll also find bedding,’ I finished, seeing the nods of agreement amongst the
crowd and noting a growing confidence in the expressions of those gathered
before me.
    ‘So, who’s coming with me on the food run?’

5
    ‘Bob,’ I called
from the hall.